Stein Collectors International
Featured Stein:
December 2019
Christmas Season Miniature Steins
by
Steve Steigerwald
I have always been somewhat surprised that the celebration of
Christmas was not a popular subject on antique steins. Over the years I
have tried to add as many different Christmas related miniatures to my
collection as the budget, and common sense, allows.
The two unlidded steins shown above depict St. Nikolaus with a
satchel of gifts slung over his shoulder giving gifts of fruit, nuts
and a small toy to a young girl. The stein with the blue background is
slightly larger than the stein with the green background. Neither has a
lid, a capacity mark or any markings on the base.
The legend of Santa Claus has its origins in a monk from an area
that is now part of modern Turkey. Around 280 A.D. a monk named St.
Nikolaus gave away all of his wealth and travelled the countryside
helping the sick and poor. One of the most popular tales about St.
Nikolaus is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into
slavery or prostitution by supplying their dowries. The legend is that
for each, he snuck into their home leaving a dowry of gold at night,
without telling them it was his doing.
St. Nikolaus died on December 6, the day that is celebrated as St.
Nikolaus Day in Germany. Traditionally, St. Nikolaus visits the houses
of children dressed in a red coat and hat and wearing a white beard. He
brings small gifts to all the children who have been good all year and
reprimands the naughty ones. In case he does not enter the house, the
children leave their shoes, stockings or a plate outside so that St.
Nikolaus can leave fruits, nuts or sweets for them.